An Angus drug addict stole a pal’s bank card minutes after his death from an overdose in a “grossly stupid” attempt to take his own money from the account, a court has heard.
Kevin Smith had dialled 999 after watching his friend fall into unconsciousness at a flat in Forfar in February.
Desperate effort by paramedics to save the victim failed, but as emergency services dealt with the tragedy Smith was presenting the dead man’s card at the counter of a local building society in an effort to empty the account of just over £50 the deceased had been keeping for him.
Smith, of North Grimsby, Arbroath, appeared from custody before Sheriff Gregor Murray at Forfar where he admitted stealing a bank card and watch at Priory Court, Forfar on February 19.
Depute fiscal Laura McGillvery said the ambulance service responded to an emergency call made by the accused around 3pm saying his friend was unresponsive as a result of an overdose.
“CPR began, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene,” the fiscal added.
“The accused was unable to provide full details and began to look through the man’s wallet.
“He then said he needed to go to the chemist as it closed at 5pm.”
Paramedics told Smith they would remain with the dead man until the arrival of police but Smith left and was then seen around 4pm by an employee of Nationwide in Forfar town centre looking through the window of the branch.
Staff thought the 34-year-old was going to use the ATM outside but he then appeared at the counter, presented a Nationwide bank card and asked to withdraw all the money in the account.
“He was asked how much money there was and said it was around £56,” Ms McGillvery continued.
Smith was challenged when the name of the account holder came up and told the staff he had been given the card by the man to withdraw the money.
“The accused then became agitated and he was instructed to leave the branch,” the fiscal said.
When questioned by police, Smith told officers: “My money goes into his account.”
Defence solicitor Billy Rennie confirmed the arrangement, but told the court the tragic overdose had presented clear difficulties for Mr Smith to draw his money out that day.
“He obviously didn’t cover himself in glory,” said the solicitor.
Sheriff Murray told Smith: “You wanted to get money you thought you were entitled to, but did something that was grossly stupid and never had any chance of success.”
Smith was jailed for 80 days.
